Ukrainian cities have been subjected to large-scale attacks on Christmas morning by Russian ballistic and cruise missiles.
Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko stated: “The enemy is once again launching a massive assault on the energy system.”
He confirmed that restrictions on electricity supply have been implemented to manage the impact of the strikes. Several explosions shook Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
Preliminary reports from local officials indicated injuries.
The city of Dnipro was also reportedly targeted while Ukraine’s air force has warned of “enemy strike drones” heading to Kyiv from the north-east.
Meanwhile pictures shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X showed firefighters battling a blaze in the Zhytomyr region, roughly 60 miles west of Kyiv, after air strikes there.
Mr Zelensky commented: “Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date.
“Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane? Over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than a hundred attack drones. The targets are our energy infrastructure. They continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine.
“According to preliminary reports, our defenders managed to shoot down more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones. Unfortunately, there have been hits. As of now, there are power outages in several regions. Power engineers are working to restore power supply as soon as possible.
“I thank everyone who is working for the country, who is on combat duty, who is protecting our skies. We will restore the maximum. Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not spoil Christmas.”
The attacks came hours after a Russian ballistic missile struck a residential building yesterday in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih with at least one person was killed, according to local authorities.
Governor Serhii Lysak said at least 11 other people were injured and more people could be trapped beneath the rubble of the four-story apartment block.
Social media footage showed one side of the building had almost completely collapsed.
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